WRU plans to cut Welsh rugby region by 2028

Summarised from 2 outlets · 3 reports · Updated 9 Oct, 17:31 · Archive

The Welsh Rugby Union has decided to reduce professional men's rugby regions in Wales from four to three by 2028.

The Welsh Rugby Union has decided to reduce professional men's rugby regions from four to three by 2028, ending more than a year of consultation and controversy. The board awarded licences to Cardiff and Dragons to represent the capital and east Wales, leaving one licence to be competed for by Ospreys and Scarlets representing west Wales. The final decision on which west Wales team will be culled is expected in June 2027, in time for the 2028-29 season.

The WRU stated that four professional sides cannot be sustained beyond 2028 due to insufficient funding. The organisation says reducing the number of teams will allow it to concentrate resources, increase investment in pathways and strengthen the remaining sides. The WRU's latest annual report recorded turnover of £106.1 million for the year to June 2025 and a £4.4 million increase in match and events income.

The decision has attracted significant criticism from west Wales teams, fans, former players, politicians and business leaders. Reform UK MS Louise Emery said the decision stretched rugby's role in Welsh communities 'to breaking point', noting that the institutions under threat have been central to their supporters' lives. The proposal has also affected recruitment: Fletcher Anderson, a 23-year-old New Zealand-qualified Scarlets player, recently committed to the club, partly motivated by the prospect of eventually qualifying to play for Wales on residency, though he faces a five-year wait.

How it is being reported

• WRU publishes data on why west Wales team will be cutThe Welsh Rugby Union (WRU) outlines how it decided where the three professional men's sides in Wales should be based from 2028.BBC Wales · 9 Oct, 16:23
• 'The WRU says change is necessary for Welsh rugby to survive but it cannot strip communities of their identity'Reform MS Louise Emery says the 'fabric is now being stretched to breaking point by the Welsh Rugby Union'[WalesOnline · 9 Oct, 11:00
• The WRU must act now - the laws are there and should be used to their advantageThe WRU needs to expand its horizons when it comes to Welsh-qualified playersWalesOnline · 8 Oct, 17:24

In this story: Welsh Rugby Union · Cardiff · Dragons · Scarlets · Ospreys · Fletcher Anderson · Louise Emery · Wales

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